Overview
Platforms: Windows, Linux
Status: In development
Release date: TBD
You're a lone corporation contract worker sent to salvage lost cargo on a distant uncharted planet full of hostile lifeforms. Mow down waves of unique enemies earning access to better equipment and customize your weapons to suit your play style. Protect the cargo and live to collect your rewards.
Phobos Down is a twin stick shooter stripped down to the bare essentials. There is a player with three guns, swarms of enemies that need killing and a weapon upgrade system made as simple as possible. You can play unique randomized missions or weekly challenges where everyone play the same game and compete for the highest scores.
Features
- Procedurally generated missions. Every run is different.
- Distraction-free satisfying action.
- Play one mission at a time. Pause at any point. No time limits.
- Weekly challenges with online leaderboards.
The game is still in development. The current version is fully playable with all gameplay mechanics implemented.
Download
Phobos Down is available on Itch.io and Steam
Media
In-game screenshots
Gameplay video
Key art
Development status
All core gameplay mechanics are implemented. Here's what you can expect in coming versions:
- More enemy variation
- More weapon modifiers
- More device drop pods
- General improvements and issue fixes.
The game is developed primarily for PC (Windows and Linux) with Steam Deck in mind. A mobile version is technically possible later but I have not made a decision about it yet.
Known issues
Enabling MSAA on Linux with Nvidia drivers sometimes leaves the game running really badly even if MSAA is later disabled. Restarting the game resolves the situation.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a roguelike/roguelite game?
No. It's more like a classic arcade high score shooter game.
There are similarities, though: The game runs are procedurally generated, you can upgrade your gear along the way, and dying means starting from scratch. However, the emphasis is more on stategic gameplay to maximize the score than on survival. You are expected to finish game runs alive and compete in high scores.
What are the system requirements?
I don't know the exact minimum requirements but the game is known to run on relatively old laptops, even with integrated GPUs (like UHD Graphics 620 and better). It runs perfectly on Steam Deck and lower end gaming PCs.